Games & Gatherings
In 2009, Groam House presented the exhibition George Bain: Games & Gatherings to mark Homecoming Scotland 2009. The exhibition featured original artwork by George Bain, some of which was displayed in public for the first time.
Although George Bain is best known for his major contribution to the study of Celtic art, throughout his life, he captured people, landscapes, and scenes in a variety of media, including oil painting, watercolour, and printmaking.
After retiring from his position as Principal Art Teacher at Kirkcaldy High School in Fife, Bain embarked on a new chapter of his life in the picturesque village of Drumnadrochit, nestled in the heart of the Highlands. There, he became a regular at the famous Glen Urquhart Highland Gathering and Games.
The Scottish Highland Gatherings are a highlight of the yearly calendar, showcasing a vibrant display of pageantry, ceremony, and Highland culture. The events feature traditional activities such as caber tossing, hammer throwing, Highland dancing, and piping. Both locals and visitors come together to celebrate Highland traditions, heritage, sports, and culture in a colourful and spirited atmosphere.
History of the Gatherings
The origins of Scotland’s Highland Gatherings are shrouded in history. Centuries ago, Highland games focused primarily on athletic and sports competitions.
By the 1820s, Highland Games were thriving across Scotland. By the mid-19th century, the prestige of these traditional events rose significantly, thanks in large part to the interest shown by Queen Victoria and the Royal Family. The ongoing support of subsequent monarchs further boosted the popularity of the Gatherings, with the Braemar Gathering frequently honoured by their attendance.
Today, while the games are centred around competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, and Scottish heavy athletics, they also feature entertainment and exhibits that celebrate various aspects of Scottish and Gaelic culture.
Dancing
Is there any folk dance as well-known around the world as Highland dancing? People expect a kilted Scot to show off this lively national dance with raised arms and cheerful shouts of “hooch.”
Highland Society Competitions began in Falkirk in 1781. Initially, these competitions focused solely on piping, with the dancing performed by the pipers themselves. However, starting in 1787, dedicated dance specialists were introduced.
Today, Highland dancing, in all its competitive forms, is a highly technical dance style that requires many hours of practice and training over several years to master.
Conté crayon on paper, 255 mm x 182 mm.
Tossing of the Caber
One of the highlights at Highland Gatherings is the Tossing of the Caber. Competitors hoist a long, tapered pine pole called a caber. They balance it vertically, gripping the smaller end, and run forward to toss it so that it turns end over end, landing with the larger end hitting the ground first.
For a successful toss, the smaller end must strike the ground at the 12 o’clock position relative to the run. This achievement is known as “turning the caber.”
Pipes
By the 11th century, bagpipes had become a popular musical instrument in Scotland. By the 16th century, each clan chieftain had a hereditary piper who would play tunes commemorating the family’s history. Piobaireachd, or pibroch, is the classic music associated with the Highland bagpipe. After the 1745 rebellion, bagpipes and many Highland customs were banned until 1782. Notably, the first Great Gathering at Falkirk in 1781 featured mainly pipers.
Heavy Events
Highland athletics are often seen as the highlight of the games, with other activities considered mere entertainment. Informal competitions in lifting and throwing large stones, known as stone putting, emerged in farmyards and villages. A notable challenge was lifting the clach cuid fir (Manhood Stone) onto a wall or another stone about 3 to 4 feet high. This was difficult, as the stone typically weighed between 1 cwt (50 kg) and over 2 cwt (101 kg).
Sheep dog trials, Drumnadrochit (Highland Games). Conté crayon on paper, 180 mm x 254 mm.
A popular local event at Drumnadrochit in George Bain’s time was sheep-dog trials. His sketches show a delightful detail of dogs, sheep and bystanders.
The 2009 exhibition, George Bain: Games & Gatherings, was curated by Susan Seright. The text in this post has been adapted from Susan’s original exhibition texts.
For information on Glenurquhart Highland Games see https://www.lochnessgames.co.uk/
Information on yearly Highland Games and Gatherings can be found here: https://www.rshga.org/calendar
Acknowledgements.
Groam House Museum wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the following organisations and individuals: The Bain Family, College of Piping (Glasgow), Comunn na Piobaireachd (NZ) Inc, Helen Creasy, Glen Urquhart Highland Gathering & Games, Highland Council, Scottish Conservation Studio, James Watkins, David Webster.
